Oxis Energy, which is pioneering advanced cell technology for next-generation rechargeable batteries to power buses and trucks, has confirmed its new factory site in South Wales where it plans to create hundreds of new jobs.

Oxis Energy has taken 96,521 sq ft of space for its expansion plans at the South Wales Distribution Centre industrial estate at Kenfig.

With the support of a £3.2m equity investment from the Development Bank of Wales, Oxis Energy is developing the world’s first-ever manufacturing plant for the production of electrolyte and cathode active material specifically for the mass production of lithium-sulfur cells.

The operation aims to have a workforce of 56 by 2023 and is forecasting to create hundreds more over the next decade.

The new facility will be used as its main manufacturing plant in the UK and it hopes to grow the business and employment in the region over the next ten years.

Oxis is now in the process of manufacturing the first lithium sulphur battery cell, which it believes will revolutionise the rechargeable battery market.

Huw Hampson-Jones, chief executive of Oxis Energy, said: “Accessibility to the Western seaboard of the Welsh ports, Cardiff, Newport, Port Talbot and Swansea in order to export to Brazil, is of utmost importance to us.

“Oxis will manufacture its electrolyte and cathode active material for integration into its rechargeable lithium sulphur cell technology for use in aircraft and large electric vehicles such as buses, trucks and marine vessels.

“Our objective is to export these products on a worldwide basis to meet the demands of eliminating fossil fuels in aviation resulting in cleaner skies, buses and trucks ensuring our large metropolitan cities are cleaner.”